On the terrifying, chaotic night of April 14, 1912, while the Titanic was sinking, Bruce J. Ismay, the ship's owner, made a decision that would save his life - and end it. Ismay boarded a lifeboat meant for women and children, and within days became The Most Talked-of Man in the World. Branded a coward, he became a flesh-and-blood embodiment of Joseph Conrad's legendary eponymous character, Lord Jim.

How to Survive the Titanic interweaves numerous historical accounts and sources with insights drawn from Conrad's novels. Unlike other survivors, this pivotal figure never again spoke about the Titanic. This intriguing history offers a sympathetic yet clear-eyed explanation of why - important lessons all of us need in order to survive the tragedies and choices of our own lives.

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Listener Opinions

by Elizabeth Boardman | 2/18/2014

" Very interesting book! I love the Titanic and could read anything about it. "

by Tracy | 1/18/2014

" At times the book seems more like a textbook. There is too much discussion of the author, Conrad, who wrote Lord Jim. The facts of Conrad's life and his writings distract from the Ismay story. The book veers off on too many tangents. There are pages of backstory on minor characters to the story. This information could have been conveyed in a more condensed manner. At times, I forgot that it was a story about J. Bruce Ismay when chapters would go by with no mention of him. The chapters that directly discussed Ismay were very interesting and enjoyable to read. I learned many new things and came to know the man better. I now see why he did what though I still am not wild about him as a person. "

by Victoria | 1/10/2014

" I had no idea of the figurative "sinking" of Titanic's essential owner. The parallels are unbelievable - I loved this book - and the deeper look into the ship - one that delves far past Leo, but reads as good and quickly as any fictional story would. "

by Bart | 12/29/2013

" The Titanic sunk 100 years ago on April 15, 1912. This book focuses on J. Bruce Ismay, managing director of the White Star Line. He jumped into a lifeboat to save himself as the Titanic was sinking. Ismay never recovers emotionally after the Titanic and also never takes any blame for the disaster. I enjoyed the history lesson. "

" Not only did I learn more about J. Bruce Ismay I discovered Joseph Conrad who I knew very little about. Well written and well worth reading. "

crazy | 12/13/2013

" it was pretty average!!! "

Peter | 12/8/2013

" It's a very interesting book. It tells the story of the Titanic from J. Bruce Ismay's perspective. The historical research shows that Ismay's is a truly misunderstood character. If you are interested in the Titanic, this is a book for you. "

Jennifer | 10/28/2013

" Unbelievable! I recommend this to everyone! You can hear the transcripts from the inquiries that took place in the Waldrof-Astoria, NY...than the fictional stories that followed. "

Victoria Shepherd | 10/4/2013

" Fascinating tale of the Titanic's "villain". For such an interesting subject, the writing style is perplexingly dry. "

Kevin | 7/4/2013

" Very interesting subject matter presented in a disorganized manner. I had to struggle to get through it. "

Aurora | 12/28/2012

" The parts of this book about Ismay and the Titanic's legal aftermath get an A. The parts about the actual Titanic get a B. The parts about Joseph Conrad for some reason get an F-. "

Nancy | 10/20/2012

" Bit of a disappointment. Too much discussion of Joseph Conrad's Lord Jim and relating that main character to J. Bruce Ismay. And Ismay was not a likable or lovable person so you're not left with any warm fuzzies there...... "

H Wesselius | 6/19/2012

" More literary criticism than history. By paralleling the actions of Ismay with Lord Jim from Joseph Conrad, the author gives an interesting perspective on the sinking of the Titanic. A good read if only to learn more about Joseph Conrad. "

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